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The Child Care Subsidy

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Making Early Education More Affordable for Every Family

Every family deserves access to quality early learning, and the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps make that possible.

The CCS reduces your out-of-pocket childcare costs by covering a percentage of your fees, paid directly to Milestones, so you only pay the difference.

And with the 3-Day Guarantee coming in January 2026, even more families will be able to access flexible, subsidised care that supports both learning and work-life balance.

At Milestones, we’re here to make understanding the CCS simple. Our Family Support Team can guide you through your eligibility, help you estimate your subsidy, and explain how the 3-Day Guarantee could benefit your family.

How the CCS Works

Your subsidy percentage is based on:

  • Your family’s combined income

  • The number of hours you work, study or volunteer

  • The type of care you use

  • Your child’s age and immunisation status

Once approved, the CCS is paid directly to Milestones and automatically applied to your weekly fees, so you only pay the remaining balance.

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The 3-Day Guarantee (Coming 2026)

In January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce the 3-Day Guarantee, making early education more accessible for families across Australia.

Here’s what it means:

  • All CCS-eligible families will receive at least 72 hours (around 3 days) of subsidised care per fortnight.

  • First Nations families will be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.

  • Families already completing 48+ hours of recognised activity per fortnight will continue to receive up to 100 hours.

This new initiative helps children benefit from consistent early learning opportunities while making child care more affordable for families.

How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy

You can apply for the CCS online through MyGov, but our team is always happy to guide you through the process.

To apply, you’ll need to:

  1. Have a child under 13 enrolled at an approved service.

  2. Be an Australian citizen or hold an eligible visa.

  3. Meet the CCS activity test (or qualify under the new 3-Day Guarantee).

  4. Ensure your child’s immunisations are up to date.

Steps to Apply:

  • Log in to MyGov, link your Centrelink account and submit your CCS claim.

  • Contact our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532 to confirm your centre’s daily fees and discuss options.

  • Use our CCS Calculator below to estimate your out-of-pocket costs.

  • Once your enrolment is confirmed, finalise CCS details in MyGov.

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Estimate Your Childcare Fees

Try our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate what you’ll pay after your CCS is applied.

Before you begin:

  • Log in to MyGov and check your CCS percentage in Centrelink.

  • Call 1800 244 532 for current daily fees at your preferred Milestones centre.

Please note

This is only an estimate of how much your family might pay for early childhood education and care. To confirm your eligibility and receive your subsidy, you must update your details for each child through your Centerlink - MyGov Account.

Children

Please note: If you have more than one child aged 5 or under in child care, eligible higher rate children will receive a 30% higher subsidy, up to a maximum 95%

$

Subsidy

%
hrs
$40,000
$530,000.00+
$
%
hrs

Maximising Your CCS

You might be eligible for a higher subsidy if you:

  • Have more than one child aged 5 or under in care (the second child may receive up to 30% more CCS)

  • Work or study 48+ hours per fortnight (eligible for up to 100 hours subsidised)

  • Earn under $80,000 per year (eligible for up to 90% off fees)

  • Qualify under the 3-Day Guarantee

Our Family Support Team can help you understand these benefits and ensure you’re getting the maximum subsidy available.

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Learn More About the CCS

For full details and income thresholds, visit the Services Australia website.

Or, for a friendly chat about your family’s situation, contact our Family Support Team - we’re here to help make quality early education more affordable for every child.